Convergence starts Phase II proof of concept study with CNV2197944 in pain associated with PHN

Convergence Pharmaceuticals Limited ("Convergence"), the company focused on the development of novel and high value analgesic medicines for the treatment of chronic pain, today announces that it has started a Phase II proof of concept study with CNV2197944 in pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Convergence is conducting the development of CNV2197944 on behalf of Calchan Ltd.

The trial is a randomised double-blind, placebo controlled, phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of orally administered CNV2197944 in patients with PHN. The primary endpoint of the trial is the effect of repeat oral dosing of CNV2197944 on the pain experienced in PHN, as measured by the Pain Intensity Numeric Rating Scale (PI-NRS), after three weeks, compared to baseline. The study is expected to conclude in 1Q2014.

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a nerve pain due to damage caused by the varicella zoster virus (Shingles or Chicken Pox). Typically, the neuralgia is confined to a dermatomic area of the skin and follows an outbreak of the virus in the same dermatomic area. Injury to sensory nerves can cause excruciating pain, sometimes persisting for months or years.

CNV2197944 is a novel, small molecule, state-dependent calcium channel blocker, designed to selectively inhibit highly active Cav2.2 channels. Based on positive pre-clinical and clinical data already reported, it is believed that CNV2197944 will be an effective treatment for neuropathic pain with analgesic potential for a broad range of chronic pain conditions. Extensive safety and toxicology studies to support the clinical development of CNV2197944 have also been completed, which suggest an excellent margin of safety and tolerability. CNV2197944 is the only truly selective Cav2.2 blocker in clinical development and has the potential to be a first in class treatment for chronic pain.

Clive Dix , Chief Executive Officer of Convergence Pharmaceuticals, added: "We are very excited to be starting the first proof of concept trial with CNV2197944 in neuropathic pain. We strongly believe that CNV2197944 has the optimum profile for success in this neuropathic pain area, which is in real need for efficacious and safe pain treatments. CNV2197944 has the potential to have broad applications across the pain spectrum and we look forward to announcing further proof of concept trials with CNV2197944 beyond PHN."